About Synergy Steel

Synergy Steel provides modern solutions to the commercial and residential construction industries through the collaboration of BIM technology and light gauge steel lean manufacturing.  We offer innovative, flexible options for every project including wall panelization, trusses, or simply loose materials.

“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts,” expresses the basic meaning of synergy.

History and Leadership

Experience Matters

Synergy executives have over a combined 100 years of experience in lean manufacturing, offsite construction and general contracting.

Together, these experiences have allowed Synergy to grow into the company it is today while providing our clients competitive advantages in the marketplaces in which they serve.

Brian Iagnemma

Chief Executive Officer

Brian Iagnemma is a seasoned leader in the construction and manufacturing industry, known for his visionary approach and commitment to excellence. With over 20 years of experience, Brian has held key executive positions at prominent homebuilding companies such as NVR (Ryan Homes) and Essex Homes (now Stanley Martin). During his tenure, he oversaw the development and operation of over 400 communities and $6 billion in residential sales while personally entitling over 8,000 lots, showcasing his proficiency in various aspects of homebuilding including BFR, land, finance, lean manufacturing/construction, sales, and operations.

Brian’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science Degree with dual majors in Business Administration and Marketing from Duquesne University, as well as a Juris Doctorate Degree from Duquesne University School of Law. This diverse expertise in both business and law has undoubtedly contributed to his success in navigating the complex landscape of the construction and manufacturing industries.

As a Principle of both Synergy Steel and Broadstreet Homes, Brian is dedicated to driving innovation and delivering exceptional results for clients. His keen understanding of market trends and customer needs has been instrumental in both companies’ growth and expansion into new markets and product lines.  Under his leadership both organizations have become known for their commitment to quality, efficiency, affordability, and environmental stewardship. Brian’s forward-thinking and common-sense approach has positioned the family of companies as leaders in sustainable construction practices, pushing the boundaries of traditional methods.

Beyond his professional achievements, Brian is actively involved in industry organizations and community initiatives. He serves on the Board of Habitat for Humanity and participates in conferences and events nationwide, where he shares his insights and expertise. Brian’s passion for sustainable and affordable development is evident in his commitment to making a positive impact both within industry and the community at large.

Michael Iagnemma

President

Michael Iagnemma’s journey in the construction industry is truly remarkable. His transition from multiple roles for the country’s 4th largest homebuilder, NVR, Inc. (Ryan Homes), to entrepreneurship showcases a bold vision and entrepreneurial spirit. Starting with Southeast Framing and later expanding into Southeast Building Services, Michael demonstrated adaptability and a keen understanding of market demands.  Michael has personally constructed over 1,400 homes in his career and has an unmatched understanding of how to deliver a quality home or structure at an affordable price.

His decision to venture into light gauge steel manufacturing utilizing 3D BIM technology with Synergy Manufacturing, despite skepticism, underscores his innovative approach to addressing industry challenges. By merging 3D BIM technology with light gauge steel panelization and offsite construction, he not only addressed structural and other issues related to wood but also revolutionized the construction process. The establishment of Synergy Manufacturing as the largest roll forming operation in the country speaks volumes about his leadership and strategic foresight.

Michael’s commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities have been evident throughout his career. His ability to anticipate challenges and find innovative solutions reflects his deep understanding of the construction landscape. Moreover, his collaborative approach and dedication to quality have fostered strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and team members, driving project success and client satisfaction.  Continued engagement in professional development and staying abreast of industry trends underscores Michael’s dedication to growth and innovation. His leadership at Synergy Manufacturing and Synergy Structures reflects not only his professional expertise but also his integrity, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Michael’s commitment to family underscores his balanced approach to life. Spending time with his wife Tara and their three children reflects his values and priorities outside of work.  Overall, Michael Iagnemma’s contributions to the construction industry, particularly in merging technology with offsite construction, highlight him as a visionary leader driving innovation and excellence in the field.

Al Iagnemma

Chief Operating Officer

Al Iagnemma is a seasoned executive known for his adeptness in implementing Lean-Six Sigma initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and exceed customer expectations. With a rich background in manufacturing processes and operational excellence, he has a track record of delivering sustainable revenue and EBITDA gains across domestic and international markets.

Al’s leadership extends to global operations and management, marked by strategic alliances in key regions such as Asia, Europe, and Latin America, with a particular emphasis on India, China, and Mexico. His strategic acumen and hands-on approach have been instrumental in navigating diverse challenges across startup phases, periods of growth, and market downturns.

His notable achievements include:

  • Lean Innovations: As the founder of AIM Group, Al pioneered Lean initiatives that became industry standards, resulting in significant lead time reductions, productivity improvements, and enhanced customer satisfaction. He also facilitated strategic alliances for international growth and delivered impressive return-on-investments for clients.
  • Leadership: Al orchestrated a remarkable turnaround as Chief Operating Officer at Kohlberg Holdings, where he transformed a company with $12 million in revenue and a net loss of $1.8 million into a market leader with $78 million in revenue and $12.5 million in profit within 24 months. He subsequently marketed the company for an equity sale exceeding $100 million.
  • Operational Excellence: Recognized with the Innovator of the Year Award from the State of Iowa, Al has a proven track record of driving operational excellence and remarkable growth. His expertise spans advising over 300 companies, including 50 Fortune 500 firms, resulting in documented savings exceeding $4 billion.

Throughout his career, Al has held key executive roles, including Chief Operating Officer at Kohlberg Holdings, where he expanded the company’s international presence, streamlined operations, and drove productivity gains. As General Manager at Hawkeye Concrete Products, he led a rapid turnaround, tripling sales within a year and increasing company value significantly.

Prior to his executive roles, Al founded and led AIM Group, a consulting firm specializing in Lean applications, international outsourcing, and turnarounds across diverse industries.

Overall, Al Iagnemma’s career reflects a profound commitment to operational excellence, strategic leadership, and delivering tangible results in challenging business environments.

Thom Liggett

Senior Advisor and Partner

Thom brings over 30 years’ experience to Investment Funds and their Real Estate Development Projects. Integrated value chain strategies, including light gauge steel prefabrication, have been acore driver of higher performance outcomes in our new construction projects since 2018.

He has served on the leadership teams of multiple institutionally backed investment fund service platforms with a focus on the Residential Housing industry (REIT’s and CDFI’s). Over $20 Billion in capital has been deployed nationally through these platforms in the past 10 years. Thom created (and then exceeded) national performance mgmt. standards while building and managing teams across 8 states with responsibility for many thousands of assets and over $3 Billion in Land, Multifamily & Single-Family Residential housing investments.

Thom has also led over 1,500 performance improvement engagements for corporate asset portfolios in all 50 states and internationally. He has also been a principal investor, board member, CEO, and/or top strategic advisor for dozens of private M&A transactions with various partners and clients. Thom graduated from the University of Akron with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1991 and his NC real estate brokers license in 2014.

Lester Harding

BIM Manager at SynTech Design, LLC (a Synergy Steel affiliated company)

Lester Harding is a seasoned professional with a passion for innovation and excellence in the field of Building Information Modeling (BIM). As the BIM Manager at Synergy Technologies aka SynTech, Lester leads a dynamic team of BIM specialists, driving the implementation of cutting-edge technology and best practices to optimize project delivery and enhance collaboration across all phases of construction.

Lester brings a unique blend of technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills to his role. He has extensive experience leveraging BIM software and workflows to streamline design coordination, improve project efficiency, and mitigate risks throughout the construction process. Lester is a recognized leader in the BIM community, known for his forward-thinking approach and commitment to continuous improvement. He stays abreast of the latest developments in BIM technology and industry standards, ensuring that SynTech remains at the forefront of innovation in the field.

In addition to his technical prowess, Lester is a natural leader and mentor, dedicated to fostering a culture of collaboration, learning, and professional growth within his team. He thrives on building strong relationships with project stakeholders, including architects, engineers, contractors, and clients, to ensure that BIM is seamlessly integrated into every project.

As the BIM Manager at SynTech, Lester is committed to leveraging the power of BIM to deliver innovative solutions, drive project success, and exceed client expectations.

  • 2007
       

    2007 - SOUTHEAST FRAMING INCORPORATED

    Synergy Steel founder, Michael Iagnemma, incorporates Southeast Framing - which quickly becomes one of the most recognized wood framing labor providers on the east coast. Southeast Framing constructs thousands of units for large regional and national builders and developers.

  • 2012
       

    2012 - PRECISION FRAMING SYSTEMS

    Southeast Framing partners with Masco Corporation, leading their wood panelization venture - Precision Framing Systems.

  • 2016
       

    2016 - NEW PANELIZATION METHODS

    With the experience of this initiative and a desire to improve construction and building processes, Michael travels the world to explore advanced framing and panelization methodologies. Research strengthens his desire to develop better solutions to today's construction challenges.

  • 2017
       

    2017 - STEEL PANELIZATION BEGINS

    Michael's exploration culminates in a decision to grow from traditional wood to light gauge steel construction. He builds a diverse team of professionals from the technology and manufacturing sectors. Merging 3D BIM modeling with innovative manufacturing produces an LGS panelization product that is unmatched in the industry.

  • 2018
       

    2018 - SOUTH CAROLINA MANUFACTURING OPENS

    Recognizing the many benefits of offsite construction, and the desire and knowledge to manufacture our own products, Synergy Steel Corporation is born. Upon securing our facility in Lancaster, SC, Synergy invests in its first two roll forming machines.

  • 2019
       

    2019 - MANUFACTURING EXPANDS

    Demand is great and growth of the manufacturing facility occurs in leaps and bounds. To keep up with the demand for our products, Synergy Steel adds two additional roll forming machines, along with other CNC equipment and automation to expand production.

  • 2020
       

    2020 - LARGEST IN THE UNITED STATES

    Unprecedented growth continues and Synergy Steel becomes the largest Howick roll forming machine operator in the United States - with a total of 8 machines.

  • 2021
       

    2021 - GROWTH CONTINUES

    New opportunities and more diverse projects add to our portfolio of light gauge steel construction projects - including the rebuilding of the storm-ravaged Surfside Beach Pier in South Carolina.

  • 2022
       

    2022 - LICENSEE PROGRAM ADDED

    Synergy establishes a new worldwide Licensee Program to expand operations and global impact.